Lemon Drop Bars

Here’s the full recipe for Lemon Drop Bars with an ultra-creamy lemon filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and candied lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor!

Table of Contents

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Chill Time: 2+ hrs | Total Time: 3 hrs
Servings: 12–16 bars

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (10–12 sheets, crushed)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
6 Tbsp butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
2 tsp lemon zest
2 large egg yolks (save whites for another use)

1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Candied Lemon Zest (Optional but Recommended!):

1 large lemon, zested into strips
½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup water

For Garnish (Optional):

Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.

Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 mins until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

2. Make the Lemon Filling:

In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Pour over the warm crust and spread evenly.

Bake for 15–18 mins until the edges are set (center should still jiggle slightly).
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.

3. Make the Candied Lemon Zest (Optional):

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.

Add lemon zest strips, simmer for 5–7 mins until translucent. Drain and toss in sugar. Let cool on parchment paper.

4. Serve:

Lift bars out of the pan using parchment paper. Cut into squares.
Top with candied lemon zest and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Success:

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor (bottled juice can taste flat).
Don’t overbake the filling—it firms up as it chills.
For extra tang, add 1 Tbsp more lemon zest to the filling.

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

These bars are intensely lemony, creamy, and balanced with the sweet, crunchy crust. Perfect for lemon lovers! 🍋✨